A long-standing rivalry will finally come to a head in the boxing ring as Stan has confirmed the super-fight between Sonny Bill Williams and Paul Gallen will take place at Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on July 16. Gallen, 43, with a record of 15 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, has not fought since his victory over Justin Hodges in 2022. However, the opportunity to face fellow NRL star Williams (9 wins, 1 loss) has lured him out of retirement.
In a surprising turn of events, Gallen opted out of a press conference at Liberty Hall, placing the spotlight on Williams to promote the bout. In an Instagram message, Gallen expressed his intentions to keep the negotiations focused on Williams, stating that while he wanted an earlier fight, Williams preferred to wait. Gallen also poked fun at Williams over the agreed fight format, highlighting their disputes over round lengths.
Gallen’s unwillingness to attend the press conference signifies a strategic approach, as he suggested Williams is the main attraction in this fight. Williams, aged 39, last fought in 2022, suffering a TKO loss against Mark Hunt, marking his first defeat in the heavyweight category. Gallen joked about Williams’s success at pay-per-view events, noting that he has carried significant promotional weight in the past.
Setting a competitive tone, Gallen acknowledged Williams’s superior athleticism and boxing skills but maintained his determination to put up a good fight regardless of the odds. He challenged Williams to train hard while expressing feelings of time wasted during their decade-long rivalry.
The bout, available for pre-order on Stan Pay-Per-View for $70, is being promoted as a culmination of years of tension between the two athletes. Stan’s director of sport, Ben Kimber, emphasised the event’s significance in capturing the imagination of sports fans across Australia. Tickets for general admission will become available on May 28, while ringside hospitality packages can be acquired through VIP Now.
The fight card will not only feature Williams vs Gallen but also spotlight other exciting matchups, including Tyson Pedro defending his WBC International Bridgerweight title against Kris Terzievski, amid their own controversial past and unfinished business. Additionally, rising stars like David Nyika and Alex Leapai Jr will contribute to what promises to be a memorable evening for Australian sports enthusiasts.
With a robust undercard and significant promotional efforts behind the event, anticipation is high for this showdown between two iconic athletes, finally ready to settle an ongoing dispute.